Green Tonic, also known as Bieler’s Broth, is a nutritious drink made from various ingredients that are loaded with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. These ingredients are particularly beneficial for boosting potassium levels, which is a common deficiency in modern diets compared to that of hunter-gatherers who consumed much higher levels of potassium.
Dr. Henry Bieler, a trailblazer in the field of alternative medicine, passed away in 1975. His famous book from 1965, "Food Is Your Best Medicine," espoused a straightforward approach to health: improper foods cause disease, while proper foods cure it.
He emphasized the importance of whole foods, and his Bieler's Broth was a remedy he used to repair and heal the body's intestinal lining while also alkalizing the blood to aid in the natural detoxification process. The broth contained celery, string beans, zucchini, and parsley. Perfect for a spring cleanse!
Ingredients
1-2 cups filtered water for steaming
2 medium celery stalks, chopped
1 whole zucchini, chopped
1 cup string beans, ends trimmed and chopped
½ cup fresh parsley
Step 1: Let’s Get Started
Steam all the vegetables except parsley for about 8 minutes or until bright green, tender but not mushy. Try not to overcook, as over-cooking can start to decrease nutrient value.
Step 2: Puree until smooth
Combine all the ingredients, including the fresh parsley, with an immersion blender or an ordinary blender, using the remaining steaming water as a thinning agent. Puree until smooth, adding more water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 3: Enjoy!
To support digestion, drink the Green Tonic at room temperature, warm, or hot – not cold. After you steam the veggies, they can be blended and taken as a hot soup right away or store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This makes about two (8 ounce) servings.
Options:
Green Tonic Soup (Warm and Savory): Make it a “soup” by adding garlic, ginger, salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon.
Green Tonic Smoothie: Add 1 small beet with a slice of fresh ginger and the juice of ½ a lemon.
The Benefits
String beans, a key ingredient of Bieler’s Broth, are not only low in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol, but are also rich in a variety of nutrients including phytochemical compounds that have been shown to improve energy levels and support cardiovascular health.
Zucchini, another ingredient, is also low in saturated fat and sodium, while being high in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as copper, potassium, and manganese.
Celery, another important ingredient in the drink, is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals including potassium, manganese, and calcium. Studies suggest that celery has antioxidant properties and may protect the gastric mucosa and suppress gastric secretion.
Finally, parsley, which is often used as a garnish, has been found to be rich in flavonoids and volatile oils that offer powerful toxin and chemical-protective properties. These compounds have been shown to activate detoxification enzymes, balance blood sugar levels, boost immunity and mental function, and protect against chemical damage in the liver, cells, gut, and more.
Overall, Bieler’s Broth is a delicious and nutritious way to boost your intake of essential nutrients and protect your body from environmental toxins and chemicals!